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Hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole

Hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole

Hearty Hamburger Potato Casserole is a comforting and satisfying one-dish meal that combines savory ground beef with tender sliced potatoes, creamy sauce, and melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, this easy-to-make casserole features rich flavors and a gooey cheesy topping, making it a warm, home-cooked favorite for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend)
  • 1 cup sour cream or 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or oregano)

Optional Add-Ins and Variations

  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach (optional vegetable boost)
  • Ground turkey or chicken (as beef substitute)
  • Plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils (for vegetarian version)
  • Dash of chili powder or smoked paprika (for spice)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Thinly slice the potatoes and finely chop the onions. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you assemble the casserole.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef and Onions: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onions until fully cooked and fragrant. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
  3. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the sour cream or cream of mushroom soup with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs. Adjust seasoning to taste for a creamy, flavorful sauce.
  4. Layer the Casserole: Grease a baking dish. Alternate layers of thinly sliced potatoes and the cooked beef and onion mixture. Between each layer, spoon the creamy sauce evenly to keep the casserole moist and tender. Add any optional vegetables during layering if desired.
  5. Add Cheese and Bake: Top the assembled casserole with shredded cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake an additional 20 minutes or until the potatoes are soft and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

  • Use even potato slices to ensure uniform cooking and texture.
  • Drain excess fat from the browned beef to prevent a greasy casserole.
  • Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to help it set for easier slicing.
  • Add seasonings gradually and taste as you go, especially when using salty ingredients like cheese or soup.
  • Cover the casserole with foil during the first half of baking to lock in moisture and avoid drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: hearty casserole, hamburger casserole, potato casserole, ground beef casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, one dish meal